Introduction

Modern nation-states are concerned about the consequences of international economic activities for the distribution of economic gains, and thus over time, as Robert Gilpin (2001: 80) predicts, “the unequal distribution of these gains will inevitably change the international balance of economic and military powers, and will affect national security.” These concerns often focus on “the distribution of industrial power, especially in those high-tech industries vitally important to the relative power position of individual states.” Hence, the “territorial distribution of industry and of technological capabilities is a matter of great concern for every state and a major issue in international political economy” (ibid.).